Mass General Support Groups
Finding the help you need can be a challenge. Here are some places to start.
Need more help? Ask your social worker.
Please click on a topic to learn more.
Addiction
Please see Substance Use below.
AIDS/HIV
Women's HIV Support Group
For all women living with HIV/AIDS who are patients at MGH Cox 5 Clinic.
What: This virtual mutual support group is designed to empower women living with HIV by cultivating a robust sense of community and enhancing resilience. It offers a safe and confidential space for women to share their personal experiences with HIV diagnosis and receive support from peers who comprehend the distinct social and personal challenges they encounter. By fostering social connectedness and addressing stigma, the group promotes sustained engagement in HIV care, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of its members.
When: This group meets virtually via Zoom every 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 12pm to 1:30pm.
Where: This group will resume in November 2024 and is currently open to new members. Please call for more information.
Contact: Florenny Cabrera, MSW, LICSW at 617-724-2476.
This group is organized by the Department of Clinical Social Work.
Men Living with HIV Who Have Sex with Women Support Group
Patients living with HIV who receive care from MGH, who identify as men and straight, bisexual, pansexual, and/or are attracted to women
What: Build community and provide education and support.
When: The group is open and meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 3:30p.
Where: The group meets at MGH with an option for participants to join virtually through Zoom.
Contact: This group is currently paused.
Aging Trans and Non-Binary Adults Living with HIV Support Group
Patients who are living with HIV who receive care from MGH, 50+ years old, and identify as transgender, transmasculine, transfeminine, gender non-binary, agender, gender fluid, or any other gender identity that is not cisgender
What: Build community and provide education and support.
When: The group is open and meets on the 1st Friday of each month at 11:00a.
Where: The group meets at MGH with an option for participants to join virtually through Zoom.
Contact: Adrienne Mosey, LICSW if interested for an intake conversation at 617-726-5181; amosey@mgh.harvard.edu
Bereavement
Loss of a Loved One Support group
Participants can share their personal experiences, explore ways of coping, reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and seek support from others
What: 8 session Bereavement Support Group open to patients and staff of Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB) who reside in MA and have experienced a loss within the past 18 months.
Accepts most insurance; contact your insurer for coverage and co-pay details.
When: Group will be held virtually on Mondays at 3pm starting April 14th. All participants must be located in MA at the time of each session. Pre-registration required.
Where: This group meets via Zoom. Participants will be able to access the group via patient gateway.
Contact: Lauren Chatalian, LICSW at (781) 487-6805
This group is offered by the Department of Clinical Social Work
Club STAR: Sharing Together and Remembering
A bereavement support group for children and teens
What: This group is for children and teens in kindergarten through senior year of high school and their parent/caregiver who are grieving the death of a parent or sibling. The group provides opportunities to share experiences, create projects, and participate in memory making activities. There is a special group for parents/caregivers. This is a membership group, but new members are welcome at any time. This year we will be offering two groups- an in person group as well as a virtual group.
When: The group meets monthly from October through June 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Two options- in person and virtual.
Contact: Please call Hillary D'Amato, CCLS at (617) 643-9276 or mghclubstar@partners.org for more information or to register.
*Dinner and parking reimbursement are provided.
This group is offered by the Mass General for Children Child Life Department and the Department of Clinical Social Work.
Cancer
For additional workshops and supports see the Cancer Center's Workshops & Support Groups.
Brain Tumor Support Group
For brain tumor patients and their families
What: This is a support and psycho-educational group for individuals with brain tumors. Group members' family members are also welcome to attend.
When: The group meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 12:30-2:00PM, except on holidays.
Where: Online (via Zoom)
Contact: Interested participants, please contact Scheïnda Rene at 617-726-1061 for additional details
Couples Living with Advanced Cancer Support Group
This group is for patients and their partners who are living with advanced, incurable cancer.
What: The purpose of the group is to provide support, build relationships, and promote conversation within the group and within the couple about goals of care, coping and quality of life.
Where: This group currently meets virtually on Zoom. This group is for Mass General patients. You must join the group from within Masachusetts.
Contact: Please contact Nova Hodge, LICSW, at 617-643-7697
Lung Cancer Support Group
This group is currently on hiatus.
Drop-in support group for those living with lung cancer.
What: A drop-in support group for patients with lung cancer and other thoracic cancers. The group's purpose is to provide a place for patients to be supported as they cope with the demands of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Contact: For more information, please contact Natasha Johnson at 617-726-1045
Offered by the Department of Clinical Social Work.
Mind Body Program for Cancer Survivors
This program is for individuals who have completed cancer treatment or are living with cancer as a chronic illness (metastatic).
What: This program is designed to help patients cope with the many emotional, social and physical challenges that emerge after cancer treatment. For additional information please visit the program page.
When: Groups are held at least 3x per year: fall, winter and spring. Depending on volume, we may also hold one summer group. General program dates (times TBD) are as follows:
- Fall Sessions begin early October
- Winter Sessions begin mid-January
- Spring Sessions begin mid-April
- Summer Sessions begin early July
Where: Groups will be held virtually.
Contact: mghsurvivorship@partners.org
This group is funded by the MGH Cancer Center
Music Therapy for Wellness
What: Led by the MGH Music Therapy Department, this drop-in virtual explores how music can relieve stress, shift our mood and energy, and reduce isolation. Group activities may include learning and singing uplifting songs, music & movement, group songwriting, and lyric discussion. No prior music experience necessary. Open to MGH cancer patients and families.
When: Wednesdays from 3:00-4:15 pm
Where: This group meets on Zoom
Contact: For Zoom Meeting info email Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BC lkubicek1@partners.org
MGHCC AYA Music Tools for Coping
Open to any Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) ages 18-39 treated at the MGH Cancer Center (oncology, SCD, hematology, benign tumor & more)
What: Come join this Monthly SERIES exploring a multitude of receptive and active music interventions for coping, relaxation, community connection and positive leisure skills. Each week will feature a different "made for success" instrument introduction (ukulele, steel tongue drums, piano, bass and/or voice) AND a different theme for sharing favorite songs and/or artists (music for inspiration, motivation, favorite live music, favorite chill music and more).
No music skill required! Just bring a love of music, a willingness to make connections and a touch of curiosity.
When: Last Monday in December, January, February & March from 5:30-7:00 pm.
December 30th, January 27th, February 24th and March 31st
Dinner provided with Pre-Registration. MGH Parking fees covered.
Where: Location provided on registration
To Register: https://form.jotform.com/243463053182048
Questions? Email Lorrie Kubicek, MT-BC, Music Therapist, MGHCC LKubicek1@mgb.org
Offered by the MGH Cancer Center.
Parenting at a Challenging Time Support Group
Group for parents receiving cancer treatment at any Mass General Brigham Cancer Centers
What: This is a virtual drop-in group open to Mass General Cancer Center patients and/or partners who have children under the age of 24. Find support from other parents and expert parent guidance from a social work clinician. Drop-in as often or infrequently as you prefer. No pre-registration required.
When: Currently paused until 2025
Where: Virtual
Contact: Aimee Lataille, LICSW at Alataille@mgb.org to get the video link.
Offered by the Newton-Wellesley Hospital PACT (Parenting at a Challenging Time) program.
SPOHNC BOSTON
Support for people with oral, head and neck cancers
What: It's a support group for people with oral, head, and neck cancer.
When: This group meets one day every other month from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, September-June.
Where: Mass. General, Boston (Currently meeting virtually via Zoom)
Contact: Valerie Hope Goldstein at fernval@aol.com for more information.
This group is a local chapter of the national group Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer.
Writing the Road to Wellness
An expressive writing support group for Mass General Cancer Center patients and survivors.
What: This virtual group will combine the therapeutic benefits of expressive writing within a support group setting. Cancer patients and survivors will be given the opportunity to connect with others and practice different expressive writing techniques to help enhance cognitive processing, reduce stress, and make meaning of your story.
When: Offered annually, starting up in January, spanning 8 weeks.
Where: This group will meet virtually on Zoom.
Contact: To register for this group, please complete the following survey: https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=YLYH8EKJKWPJ9DHX. If you have additional questions about this group, please contact group leader, Kiersten Anderson, MSW, LICSW at mgccnwhsupportgroups@partners.org.
Mass General patients may contact our Oncology Resource Specialist at 617-724-0295 for additional cancer-specific support group information.
The Mass General Cancer Center provides additional cancer related support and educational services. Also see the Cancer Center's Workshops & Support Groups page.
Cardiac
MGH VAD Support Group
This group is for patients who are living with Ventricular Assist Devices so that we all may learn and support one another in a group setting.
What: The purpose of the group is to provide support, build relationships, provide VAD education and psychoeducation ongoing for patients who have received VADs.
When: Please contact the group leaders for meeting information.
Where: This group currently meets virtually on Zoom
Contacts: Kate Milley and Johnna Marcus. Kate Milley: VAD coordinator MGHVADmailbox@partners.org 617-724-1130. Johnna Marcus: Social Worker jemarcus@mgh.harvard.edu 617-726-2647
This group is offered by the D Heart Failure/VAD/Transplant Service
Caregiver
No groups currently available. Please check-back for updates
Developmental Disabilities
Aging Well with Autism Therapeutic Support Group
For parents and caregivers of adults with autism who are over the age of 30
What: This therapeutic support group allows parents and caregivers to express concerns about the future of their loved ones with autism as they age. It will include looking at change, grief, loss and how aging with autism affects our own personal growth and relationships. The group will provide opportunities for self-reflection, bonding, and the sharing of resources and information, in a relaxed, safe space, where compassion for one another is paramount.
When: Every other Thursday, 10:00am to 11:00am.
Where: Online (Zoom). In order to protect the safety and privacy of our members, the Zoom link is not public. You must register to receive the link.
Contact: Please contact the Lurie Center for Autism at 781-860-1700 to register.
This group is offered by the Lurie Center for Autism, in Lexington.
Autism 101: A 6-Session Support Group for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children
For parents or caregivers of young children, aged 7 and under, who have been diagnosed with autism
What: The Autism 101 parent support group series provides interactive lessons, question and answer sessions, and the opportunity to connect with other families with newly diagnosed children. If you’ve found yourself typing “my child diagnosed with autism” into the Google search bar, this group will help address that ‘now what’ feeling that you may have been experiencing. Attendance at all six sessions is recommended.
When: TIME: 12:00pm - 1:30pm. This 6-session series is held four times per year starting on the first Friday of November, February, May and August.
Where: Online (Zoom). In order to protect the safety and privacy of our members, the Zoom link is not public. You must register to receive the link.
Contact: Please contact the Lurie Center for Autism at 781-860-1700 to register.
This group is offered by the Lurie Center for Autism, in Lexington.
Diabetes
Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
For Mass General patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
The Diabetes Self-Management Education program offers a comprehensive education program for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics and their family/friends who support them.
For more information, please visit: http://www.massgeneral.org/endocrinology/diabetes/treatments-and-services/dsme
Intimate Partner Abuse
De Mujer a Mujer (Woman to Woman)
Group is Spanish-speaking, free and confidential
What: A 6-week Spanish language group for women who have experienced abuse and control in their intimate relationships. The program is designed to help Latina women better understand domestic violence specifically as it pertains to them as a cultural group. The group is facilitated by HAVEN advocates. Groups are held at various times during the year.
When: Groups are held at various times during the year. Please call if interested.
Where: Mass General Chelsea
Contact: Call HAVEN at Mass General Chelsea: 617-887-3513
This group requires a pre-group screening interview.
This group is offered by the HAVEN Program.
HAVEN Support Groups
Groups are held at different times during the year, in English and Spanish. Groups are free and confidential.
What: HAVEN runs several short-term support groups and workshops. The goals are to break isolation, provide information and connection to community resources and provide a supportive network between women with common experiences of abuse and control by an intimate partner.When: Groups are 90 minutes, held at various times during the year. Please call for meeting times.
Where: Groups are held in Boston on the main campus and at the Revere and Chelsea Health Centers.
Contact: Call the HAVEN program line for more information, 617-724-0054.
A brief screening interview is required for membership.
This group is offered by the HAVEN Program.
HAVEN Intimate Partner Abuse Topic-focused Workshops
For anyone who has been or is currently in an abusive or controlling relationship
What: HAVEN provides two part topic focused workshops covering such issues as "Impacts of Abuse on Children," "Life after Abuse," and "Mindfulness."
When/Where: Time, location and topics vary so please contact HAVEN at 617-724-0054 for more information.
Contact: HAVEN advocate at 617-724-0054
This group is offered by the HAVEN Program.
Eating Disorders
Gastrointestinal
Ostomy Support Group
For patients with a new or existing colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, and their family and friends
What: Hosted by the ostomy nurses from the MGH Gastrointestinal & Oncologic Surgery department (GIOS), the Ostomy Support Group presents an open and inviting atmosphere to ask questions, share tips, and discuss relevant topics. Meetings are free and will sometimes feature a guest speaker.
When: Every third Wednesday in February, April, June, August, October, and December
Where: The conference room on Wang 355 at MGH and virtually
Contact: For more information and/or to receive a virtual link, please call 617-726-2760
LGBTQ
Unfortunately no groups running at this time. Please check back.
Mental Health
SMART Program: Stress Management and Resiliency Training
For Mass General patients who have chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders.
What: An 8-week group program that provides skills to more effectively cope with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and other concerns that frequently accompany medical issues and stress related illness. There is a strong emphasis on the benefits of relaxation and meditation in managing health concerns and becoming mindful of how thoughts impact feelings and symptoms. The group also helps patients increase resiliency and positive communication with providers, family members, and significant people in their lives.
When: Occurs three times a year. Please call for more information and for specific dates.
Where: Online on Zoom
Facilitated by: Miriam Nelson Oliver, LICSW
Contact: Call 781-485-6100 for more information
This group is offered by the MGH Revere Health Care Center. First priority enrollment is for MGH Revere patients, however patients with an MGH Primary Care Provider (PCP) are welcome to inquire.
Visit the Group Psychotherapy Center home page.
Neurological Disorders
Care Partners of individuals living with Parkinson's Disease
The Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness at the MGH Institute of Health Professions invites care partners of individuals with Parkinson’s to participate in a monthly virtual support group.
What: This group will provide a safe and supportive processing space for navigating the challenges and life transitions of care partners. Care partners will be encouraged to connect and share regarding shared lived experiences. Topics covered may include coping strategies, self-care, and healthy relationships. The group will be facilitated by psych/mental health nurse practitioner students and licensed faculty.
When: The upcoming meeting dates are Monday September 23rd, Monday October 21st, Monday November 18th.
Where: Care Partners is held virtually via Zoom.
Contact: Sleeper Nursing Center- Phone: (857) 270-3101 Email: nursingcenter@mghihp.edu
The program is free to attend, but registration is limited. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center.
Mass General Brain Aneurysm/AVM Support Group
For patients diagnosed with a brain aneurysm or an AVM, survivors, family members and friends.
What: This is a free open discussion format group, mixed with a variety of speakers from different departments including social work, speech pathology, neurosurgery, neurology, occupational health and psychiatry.
When: The group meets virtually via Zoom the first Tuesday evening of every month from 6:00PM to 7:30 PM.
Where: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (currently virtual)
Contact : Amanda Scott, NP at acscott@partners.org
Pain Management
SMART Program: Stress Management and Resiliency Training
For Mass General patients who have chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and stress related disorders.
What: An 8-week group program that provides skills to more effectively cope with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and other concerns that frequently accompany medical issues and stress related illness. There is a strong emphasis on the benefits of relaxation and meditation in managing health concerns and becoming mindful of how thoughts impact feelings and symptoms. The group also helps patients increase resiliency and positive communication with providers, family members, and significant people in their lives.
When: Occurs three times a year. Please call for more information and for specific dates.
Where: Online via Zoom
Facilitated by: Miriam Nelson Oliver, LICSW
Contact: Call 781-485-6100 for more information
This group is offered by the MGH Revere Health Care Center. First priority enrollment is for MGH Revere patients, however patients with an MGH Primary Care Provider (PCP) are welcome to inquire.
Parenting
NICU Parent Support Group
Please note this group is NOT currently meeting
For parents of current NICU patients.
What: Emotional support offered to assist with the often unexpected adjustment to having a baby in the NICU as well as the transition to parenting.
When: This is ongoing group is held every the 2nd Monday of each month at 1:00PM and Pizza is served.
Where: In the NICU Conference Room on Blake 10
Contact: Marisa Iacomini, LICSW, at 617-726-2611
Pediatrics
See Bereavement and Developmental Disabilities sections above
Pulmonary
No groups at this time. Please check back for updates.
Smoking Cessation
Living TOBACCO-FREE: Smoking Cessation
Open to MGH patients and non-MGH patients
What: Quit-Smoking Coaches offer free one-on-one coaching for patients interested in quitting or talking about quitting smoking or other forms of tobacco. Coaching is available in English, Spanish and Russian.
Where: Coaches see patients at multiple health center locations:
- MGH Revere HealthCare Center
- MGH Broadway Primary Care-Revere
- MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center
- MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center
- MGH Everett Family Care
When: Hours vary by location.
Support groups: Please call us to find out if we are currently offering support groups.
Contact: Living TOBACCO-FREE: 781-485-6210.
These services are provided by MGH Community Health Associates
Substance Use
Recovery Group for Veterans and Service Members
A support group for veterans and/or active-duty service members.
What: This is a recovery group for veterans and service members interested in reducing or discontinuing their use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Abstinence from all substances is not a requirement. This is a treatment group requiring attendance of at least 8 consecutive sessions.
When: This group is held on Tuesdays from 10:00 am-11:15 am.
Where: This group meets virtually.
Contact: Dr. Rene' Lento, and Karissa Peoples, LICSW. For registration or information, call Home Base at 617-724-5202. First-time attendees, please call to schedule a phone intake
West End Clinic for Substance Use Disorders
The West End Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation of alcohol and other substance use disorders, and offers diverse modalities for group therapy. Groups offering examples: Relapse Prevention, Mindfulness, Readiness for Change, Men's and Women’s Recovery, Long-Term Support, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. See our full group psychotherapy listings to learn more about the groups we offer. Any patient interested in enrolling in group therapy can contact the West End Clinic at (617)724-2480.
See group psychotherapy listings on the Mass General West End Clinic website.
Transplant
Lung Transplant Support Group
Pre- and post-lung transplant patients and families/caregivers
What: Support to facilitate adjustment to transplant/chronic illness and information about the lung transplant process.
When: This ongoing drop-in group is held the 2nd Friday of each month at 1:00 PM.
Where: This group meets via Zoom. Please reach out to the group contact before each meeting to get the zoom ID number for the group..
Contact: Kate Guditz, MSW, LCSW at 617-643-3001
This group is offered by the Department of Clinical Social Work.